Right before closing their offices in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Don Waddell and the Carolina Hurricanes make a pair of sibling signings.
A lot of us woke up to the news that the Hurricanes, despite the season being on hiatus and not a single soul competitively playing, made a pair of really good signings that can help solidify the roster for years to come. It is a sign of life in the world of hockey and I approached it like Matt Damon on Mars watching a potato sprout.
The two players, brothers David Cotton and Jason Cotton seemed to be the last to do box to check before Don Waddell and the Carolina Hurricanes closed their offices in response to the Coronavirus pandemic that has swept the world.
Both siblings have captained their respective NCAA teams and have built a name for themselves. Both are centers and have had their senior season cut short by the pandemic. The only surface difference between the two Parker, TX boys is the fact that David shoots left handed while his brother shoots right handed. We can’t all be perfect.
David was drafted by the Hurricanes all the way back in 2015 in the sixth round. The Boston College Captain was signed to a two-year contract that will pay $700,000 in the 2020-21 Season and $832,500 in the 2021-22 season at the NHL level and $70,000 at the AHL level in both seasons. He will also receive a $185,000 signing bonus.
His older brother Jason, part of the Cotton family package deal, was an undrafted free agent who played for Sacred Heart. The Hobey Baker award finalist was signed to a one-year contract for the 2020-21 season that will pay $700,000 at the NHL level and $50,000 at the AHL level. He will also receive a $25,000 signing bonus.
Waddell had this to say about the siblings:
"“David and Jason both had very productive senior seasons this year. We’ve been pleased with David’s progress over his four years at Boston College, and his brother Jason was recently named a Hobey Baker Award Finalist. We’re excited to see what they can accomplish at the professional level.”"
David is the better of the two siblings and the one with the better chance at cracking the NHL roster. The 22 year old center played all four of his collegiate years with Boston amassing 127 points in 148 games, 57 of them goals. This season he played 32 games with 15 goals and 39 total points, a career high.
Jason on the other hand, played a season at Northeastern university before transferring to Sacred Heart. He also sat out the 16-17 season after the transfer, probably to haggle with his professors over which classes at Northeastern should count. We have all been there right? He played only eight games at Northeastern and skated away empty handed with only 2 PIM to his name.
He also however played 28 games with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL that year earning 11 points on six goals and five assists. His three years with Sacred Heart were a bit more exciting. He played 110 games with the Pioneers earning 81 points off of 41 goals and 40 assists. This season he led his teammates with 20 goals and 17 assists for 37 points.
This isn’t the first time a pair of siblings have signed with the Carolina Hurricanes and it won’t be the last time. These two have an opportunity to come in and get a start on the fourth line as soon when the season returns. Otherwise, keep an eye out for them down in Charlotte when the next AHL season begins.
Question for CC Readers: What do you think of the Cotton Brothers Signings?